Meet Karli-Rose McIntyre

 

We were lucky to catch up with Karli-Rose McIntyre recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karli-Rose, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it accumulates over time, often in ways we can’t immediately see. For me, it started when I began making career decisions from my head rather than my heart, chasing what I thought others wanted for me. This led me into the high-pressure world of Big Four tax accounting, where I pushed myself to the limits, overworking to meet intense deadlines and external expectations.

Even after achieving everything on my checklist—earning my Master’s degree, obtaining my CPA license, and securing the cushy “big girl” job—I felt empty. I was burnt out, unhealthy, and completely disconnected from my deeper purpose. That low point was my turning point.

Seeking answers, I embarked on a spiritual journey of self-discovery, exploring different healing modalities and perspectives I never imagined myself considering. This exploration led me to two profound realizations: first, a reconnection with the truth of who I am, and second, a remembrance of my deepest gift—music—which opened the door to my research into sound healing.

For the first time, I made an intuitive career decision: I quit. I then committed to a six-month intentional break, allowing myself to slow down, rest, and realign. This required immense courage—not just to step away from a structured career path but also to face myself honestly. I examined where I had been out of integrity in my relationships, my work, and even my daily habits.

Through this pause, I gained clarity on what truly mattered. I realized that beyond financial stability and career success, I craved space—space to explore, travel, and create. I redefined my career goals, not just in terms of job responsibilities or salary, but in how I wanted to feel in my work environment, the kind of people I wanted to surround myself with, and how I got to serve the world (even in ways that I never expected for myself).

Now, I’ve found a part-time role at an incredible company that values and appreciates me. More importantly, I’ve established clear internal boundaries, allowing me to advocate for myself when I feel overextended. I am no longer moving forward out of obligation or external validation but from a place of deep alignment and intention. Burnout was a painful teacher, but I am grateful for it ultimately guided me back to myself.

For anyone on a high-speed career trajectory feeling lost or drained, I can’t recommend an intentional pause enough. Stepping away isn’t failure—it’s often the first step toward truly moving forward.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Karli-Rose McIntyre, a CPA turned sound explorer, illuminating life’s thresholds with curiosity. By day, I create training content for nonprofit accountants; by heart, I facilitate sound journeys that reconnect us to our truth. My path from burnout to balance led me to rediscover my love for music and the power of sound healing. Follow my journey @thresholdsound on Instagram, and experience my music on SoundCloud (Karli-Rose McIntyre).

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my path the most were curiosity, humility, and a willingness to find the joy.

Curiosity led me to explore beyond the structured path I had set for myself. When burnout forced me to pause, it was curiosity that opened the door to new perspectives, healing modalities, and ultimately, sound. My advice? Stay open. Follow the questions that excite you, even if they seem unrelated to your current trajectory. The door will always be opened for those willing to knock.

Humility was essential in unlearning what I thought I “should” be doing and admitting when I was out of alignment. It’s not easy to step away from external validation, but true growth requires a willingness to see yourself honestly. If you’re early in your journey, practice self-reflection without judgment. Be willing to pivot when something no longer feels right (because you know yourself the best).

A willingness to find the joy kept me moving forward, even when everything felt uncertain. I realized that joy isn’t something you have to earn—it’s something you can choose, even in the small moments. My biggest advice? Don’t wait for permission to prioritize joy. Seek out what lights you up, and let that be your compass.

The journey isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying open, honest, and present along the way.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me how to make a lot out of a little.

As a child, I didn’t understand this lesson. I got stuck in comparison, wondering why other kids seemed to have more—more gifts, more opportunities, more outward expressions of love. It took growing up to realize that what my parents gave me was far greater than anything material.

They taught me resourcefulness—the ability to see possibility where others see lack, to create what I need rather than wait for it to be given. That lesson has shaped everything I do, from navigating my career to forging my own unconventional path. Knowing that I can always find a way forward, no matter the circumstances, is a gift that will serve me for a lifetime.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kelli Weiblen; Nicolette Luna @lunas_lens

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